FIDO

We go to liberate not to conquer. We will not fly our flags in theircountry. We are entering Iraq to free a people and the only flag which willbe flown in that ancient land is their own. Show respect for them. Thereare some who are alive at this moment who will not be alive shortly. Thosewho do not wish to go on that journey, we will not send. As for the othersI expect you to rock their world. Wipe them out if that is what theychoose. But if you are ferocious in battle remember to be magnanimous invictory.

Iraq is steeped in history. It is the site of the Garden of Eden, of theGreat Flood and the birthplace of Abraham. Tread lightly there. You willsee things that no man could pay to see and you will have to go a long wayto find a more decent, generous and upright people than the Iraqis.

You will be embarrassed by their hospitality even though they have nothing.Don't treat them as refugees for they are in their own country. Theirchildren will be poor, in years to come they will know that the light ofliberation in their lives was brought by you.

If there are casualties of war then remember that when they woke up and gotdressed in the morning they did not plan to die this day. Allow themdignity in death. Bury them properly and mark their graves.

It is my foremost intention to bring every single one of you out alive butthere may be people among us who will not see the end of this campaign. Wewill put them in their sleeping bags and send them back. There will be notime for sorrow.

The enemy should be in no doubt that we are his nemesis and that we arebringing about his rightful destruction.

There are many regional commanders who have stains on their souls and theyare stoking the fires of hell for Saddam. He and his forces will bedestroyed by this coalition for what they have done. As they die they willknow their deeds have brought them to this place. Show them no pity.

It is a big step to take another human life.It is not to be done lightly. I know of men who have taken life needlesslyin other conflicts, I can assure you they live with the mark of Cain uponthem. If someone surrenders to you then remember they have that right ininternational law and ensure that one day they go home to their family. Theones who wish to fight, well, we aim to please.

-Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins, to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment, days ago.